Figlio Perduto

Chapter 3: An Angel Arrives

Myshawolf: (slides out from the margin) Hi, I don't have long, since
Nightmare is out for my blood right now. Here is chapter 3. A few
people had questions about Lestrade's and Holmes' relationship and
what is up with that? Well.. They are seeing each other and know they
love each other, but they want to keep it a secret so no one uses it
against them. Holmes has come to the conclusion that Lestrade is the
one for him and is trying to work her up to something more...permanent,
we shall say. So it's in transition right now. *hears someone coming*
Yikes, I hear the raging Mistress of Fears right now. See ya all next
week. *pulls out a wand and makes herself disappear.*

Nightmare: (storms out covered in pink paint) MYSHAWOLF!!!!!!!!!!! YOU
ARE SO DEAD WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU!!!! *storms off*

Myshawolf: (pops back in) Enjoy this chapter and on with the show.

Nightmare: THERE YOU ARE!!!! *Myshawolf runs off with Nightmare in
pursuit*

Chapter 3 - An Angel Arrives

The phone beeped incessantly over on Baker Street. Lestrade dropped
her suitcase and walked over to the phone. Holmes was outside talking
with the Irregulars. After punching a few buttons, Nadir's smirking
face appeared. Lestrade smiled warmly at the Arabian.

The phone clicked off as Nadir hung up. Lestrade examined her feelings
about the whole thing. Erika was a loyal friend to both sides.
Lestrade used to worry that she might have to decide which side she would
be on. Or at least she did until she saw firsthand how sweet Moriarty
was with Erika during the pageant. Lestrade had a hard time with her
dearest friend seeing her mortal enemy. Erika never begrudged Lestrade
her feelings on the matter. In fact, both friends had steered clear of the
subject once Lestrade vented to her.

Lestrade turned to see Sherlock enter the room. Lestrade smiled at
him. Sherlock seemed delighted that she was going to be nearby.
Beth shook her head; now she was imagining things. Sherlock walked over
to her.

"I thought I heard Nadir out here," Sherlock asked.

"Yeah, he just called. They got a description."

"I hope it didn't cost Erika too much money."

"Well, if she is willing to pay it, who is going to stop her?"
Lestrade shrugged. "Moriarty was spotted meeting a young man about
thirty years of age, white, with black hair, beard, and mustache. Nadir
thinks he was a doctor."

"That would make sense." Sherlock nodded as he turned everything over
in his head, "Moriarty's symptoms are similar to the one that you
expressed when you were under the influence of nano-bots."

"And Culverton Smith escaped from prison earlier this week," Lestrade
realized. "He would know how to use them on the human body."

"I think we should warn Fenwick about Culverton in case Culverton
tries to capture him too," Holmes suggested. "He may be the only other
person besides Erika who can cure Moriarty."

"Must we?" Lestrade sighed.

Sherlock smiled. "A human life may be in danger as well as our
friend's heart. Despite what we think of Moriarty, he makes Erika
happy. He hasn't pressured Erika in any way to betray her friendship
with us. That, my dear Lestrade, speaks volumes about who he has
become."

"He is still a criminal genius."

"And that's a fact that no one has forgotten. But I would sooner deal
with Moriarty when he has limitations then without. Or did you forget
your escapades when Culverton controlled you?"

Lestrade had the decency to blush as she remembered the horrible
feeling of being out of control. She almost hurt those closest to her.
It was a horrible experience that she didn't wish on anyone, even
Moriarty. Holmes hugged her close. Lestrade's heart froze as she
remembered lunging at Holmes, intent on killing him. What if Moriarty
tried it on Erika? If Holmes was right, he would be crushed if he knew
that he'd harmed her, and possibly be even worse than before. Lestrade
returned the hug. She knew that for the greater good she would need to
swallow her pride, and work with her enemy to save her worst enemy, in
order to help her best friend. Lestrade mentally groaned. God, that
made no sense.

Lestrade heard the Irregulars on the steps and pulled away from
Sherlock. Sherlock didn't seem too happy about it, but Beth really
didn't care. The last thing she needed with all the turmoil she was
feeling was their ribbing about her and Mr. Holmes. She flashed Holmes
a smile before ducking into the spare room just as the Irregulars
appeared. Deidre snapped her fingers in frustration, causing Holmes to
laugh quietly before telling them of the new information.

Erika listlessly moved over the stage to a meeting that the managers
were holding. She hadn't had a good night's sleep in two days when James
disappeared. Something wasn't right. Erika could feel it as she
plopped down on a group of crates on the stage. Buquet sat on one side
of the tired prima soprano. Nadir took the other side, while Krissi
slumped down to the stage in front of them. Erika smiled as her family
closed rank around her.

Ayesha trotted out of the stage, meowing loudly. The whole company
chuckled softly as Ayesha wove through the company, receiving rubs
and scratches from everyone. Ayesha jumped into Erika's lap and lay
down to hear what the managers had to say as well. Madame cleared her
throat to gather the company's collective attention. The crowd quieted
down.

"Friends, we have called you here because we have received an
important invitation for a member of our company," Madame Firmin
began. The company began to murmur among themselves.

Monsieur Firmin smiled at the interest, "The New London Arts and
Cultural Society is hosting a concert to raise funds for the World
Health Organization. They want it to be an international affair with
representatives from all the famous opera companies and orchestras."

Madame Firmin grinned widely. "After all the press received since
Erika's return to Paris, we received an invitation. As a company we
needed to pick our representative."

Erika leaned against Nadir as she began to doze off. She would love to
go to New London, but she had promised to wait until she was summoned. She
dreamed lightly that she was walking down the foggy streets of New
London. Suddenly James loomed out of the foggy darkness and reached
for her. Erika awoke when Nadir pinched her. Erika looked up at her
old friend.

"You have been chosen to go," Nadir growled quietly.

Erika slowly registered her friend's words as she stared at the
smiling company. Erika smiled brightly, realizing that she had found a way
to get to New London. Several company members shook her hand as Erika
walked to the managers.

Erika smiled at them. "So when do I leave?"

Wiggins quietly walked Montague Street. He thought he'd seen someone
who matched Moriarty's description come this way. Soon he spotted two men
walking together. One was slightly shorter with black hair, while the
other was taller and had a white streak in his black hair. Wiggins
smiled and radioed the other Irregulars.

Tennyson nodded and beeped that he was coming as well. Wiggins nodded.
"Someone should tell Mr. Holmes."

Deidre shook her head. "We should find out where they are going first.
I'll follow your signal, Wiggins."

Deidre cut the link as did Tennyson. Wiggins sighed to himself. Younger
kids were so reckless. He turned and began to follow the two villains. He
got close enough to hear the two gents' conversation.

The shorter one said softly, "First we need to see what kind of
security they have at the Inspector's complex. Wouldn't do to be caught
so soon, now, would it?"

The taller man's voice was deeper but sounded mechanical, "No, sir."

"That's right. I have plans for those two nosy detectives. And with
your influence I can get away with it. Those two detectives won't know
what hit them. No one will ever suspect."

"Yes, sir."

"Tonight you will remove the female detective from the equation. We
will use her for bait against the world's greatest detective. I'll
have my revenge after two years of imprisonment. Do you understand my
orders?"

"Yes, sir."

The shorter man stopped and noticed Wiggins following. He frowned. How
much had the boy overheard? He pulled out a handheld remote and
pressed a button. Moriarty's mind was filled with a loud buzzing. His
eyes glazed over completely. The shorter man smirked, "But first bring
me that little spy."

Moriarty's eyes locked on Wiggins. Wiggins gulped; he was caught. He
turned to run. As he raced down Montague Street, he could hear
Moriarty give chase. Wiggins picked up his pace. He knew they should
have informed Holmes. Up ahead he saw Deidre and Tennyson coming. He
had to warn them.

"Turn around!" he shouted, "He's after me!"

Deidre turned herself around and began to run. Wiggins easily caught
up with her and pulled her along. Tennyson turned into an alley.
Wiggins followed, hoping it was a shortcut. Wiggins groaned when he
saw it was a dead end.

"Tennyson, I thought this was a shortcut," Wiggins groaned.

Tennyson whirled and beeped out his apology. Wiggins turned to see a
tall dark figure step out of the fog. Moriarty gazed at the kids in a
blank way, which unnerved them more than anything else he could have
done. Wiggins shoved Deidre behind him and took a defensive boxing
stance. Moriarty approached with mechanical movements.

"I'll distract him while you warn Mr. Holmes and the Inspector.
Whoever is controlling Moriarty is after them as well," Wiggins
whispered to Deidre as he watched Moriarty for an opening. Deidre
nodded, understanding her job.

Wiggins steeled himself as he ready to attack the nearing madman.
Suddenly a figure in black dropped down in front of him. The black
trenchcoat flared out as the brownhaired figure held Moriarty at
swordpoint. Moriarty's eyes flashed with a look of recognition. A
smooth female voice spoke loudly.

"I cannot allow you to harm any innocents, James," the female stated
clearly with a French accent.

Wiggins pulled out of his stance. The glazed look was starting to
recede. Moriarty's eyes flicked over the lady's face as he tried to
think of something. Suddenly a look of pure pain flashed over his
features, and he grabbed his head. The woman lowered her sword and took a
step forward. Moriarty looked up at her and ran away from the alley,
as if he was trying to put distance between them. The lady sighed as
she sheathed her sword and turned to them.

Wiggins was pinned by a pair of startling blue eyes framed by flowing
brown hair. The lady looked over each of them. As she clicked the
sword in place, Wiggins noticed how much it resembled a cane.

"Is everyone all right?" she asked.

"Yes. Thank you for the help." Wiggins grinned sheepishly.

Then she pinned him with her gaze. "Children shouldn't play with
fire," the lady remarked solemnly. "You will pay a price that you may not
want to."

"Say, who are you?" Deidre asked.

"A ghost in the night, young lady," the lady smiled mysteriously as
she walked away. "A phantom and nothing more."

The lady disappeared into the fog at the mouth of the alleyway.
Wiggins, Deidre, and Tennyson watched her leave before deciding to
follow her. They raced out to find Montague Street empty. Wiggins
turned to the others.

"Come on, we have to tell Mr. Holmes," Wiggins stated as he ran down
the street. Deidre and Tennyson eagerly followed their leader as he
led them to Baker Street.

Wiggins knocked loudly on the door of 221b Baker Street. Watson
opened the door and smiled at the out of breath Irregulars. He stepped
to the side to let them in. Holmes looked up from his armchair and
excused himself from his guests. Lestrade smiled at Holmes, turned
to her friends and explained what they had been up to. Wiggins smiled
at Holmes.

"But Wiggins was spotted and Moriarty chased him into an alley,"
Deidre added helpfully. "And some lady saved us."

Tennyson beeped from his spot, causing the Irregulars to gape at him as
he called the lady an angel. Holmes smiled and glanced at a snickering
Lestrade. He turned to the kids again and asked, "What did she look
like?"

"She was dressed in black and carried a cane," Deidre answered.

"Her hair was a deep brown and she had deep blue eyes," Wiggins
remarked as he remembered. Tennyson beeped his remark about the angel
again, causing Watson to laugh as well.

"I wonder who she was," Deidre pondered. "She seemed to have an effect
on Moriarty. He seemed to fight back the control when he saw her."

"She would be a helpful ally," Wiggins nodded.

"Then, young man, you have your wish," the lady's voice floated from
the other armchair as she stood up. A smile graced her lips as
she walked over to Holmes's side. Lestrade stood next to her. The lady
turned to Holmes after she studied the children's shocked expressions,
"So these are the famous Baker Street Irregulars."

"Yes. They are my ears and eyes in place I can't easily go," Holmes
replied. "I think some introductions are in order."

"Too right, Mr. Holmes." Wiggins snapped out of his trance.

The lady gave a small bow. "I am Mademoiselle Erika Noir of the Paris
Opera Company."

She smiled gently as the Irregulars gave a small bow back. Wiggins
stepped forward first, taking up his role as the leader. He held out
his hand, which Erika took and gave a confident shake.

"I'm Wiggins." Wiggins smiled before pointing out his companions,
"That's Deidre and Tennyson."

"A pleasure," Erika remarked.

"Now that everyone has been properly introduced, I have a few
questions for you, mademoiselle," Holmes interjected.

"I can answer one right off the bat. My company picked me to represent
them at the international fundraiser for the World Health
Organization," Erika answered.

"Where will you be staying?" Lestrade piped up.

Erika flashed her a smile, "The Firmins reserved me a room at the New
Albany Hotel."

Deidre spoke up as everything clicked into place. "I heard of you!
Your company is protected by the Phantom of the Opera, isn't it?"

"Oui, he is a dear friend," Erika confirmed, "Due to circumstances
being as they are, he is here as well."

"Is it true that he is terribly disfigured?" Deidre asked eagerly.
She'd grown up on stories of the heroic Phantom.

Erika smirked at her eager audience. "The original Phantom was.
However, the resulting generations have not been blessed with his
unique traits, Deidre."

Deidre blushed at the easy use of her name. Normally people called her
kid. Tennyson beeped and whizzed causing everyone to laugh but Erika,
who just smiled brightly.

When everyone calmed down, Erika stated gently, "Thank you, Monsieur
Tennyson, But I don't need an escort right now. But when I do, I will
ask for you."

The whole room laughed at Erika's comment. After a few minutes, the
Irregulars headed home since the next morning was a school day. Erika
lingered for a few minutes more, leaving her contact information with
Holmes and Lestrade. She too left, having her first practice in the
morning. Holmes and Lestrade were left alone. Holmes collapsed into
his armchair. Lestrade moved back to hers.

"I hate to say this, but this situation is getting worse," Lestrade
said after a while.

Holmes glanced at her. "No more than I expected. Erika isn't one
to stand by and do nothing while someone she loves is in danger. She
would have come here sooner or later."

"Now she may be in danger, too."

"No more than Fenwick is. Right now, my dear Lestrade, we are the
targets. Culverton has already declared that," Holmes reminded her
before realizing, "Erika may be the key to breaking his control. Maybe
not completely, but long enough to stop Moriarty from doing anything he
might regret."

"Wiggins did say that when Erika showed up, he was trying to fight back
against it," Lestrade observed. "Plus, with her expertise in medicine, she
may be able to develop a chemical to neutralize the nano-bots."

"Right now, we just have to keep her from Culverton," Holmes said in
a final way.

Erika stood on the corner of Baker Street as she tried to flag down a
cab. She stood deep in thought as she made a motion to a passing cab.
The cab kept going and she sighed. She hated trying to get a cab in
New London. It was tempting to go to Moriarty's hideout and crash
there with Monsieur Fenwick. It was closer than her hotel. Erika
stopped in mid-motion. She couldn't go there, not after seeing Moriarty
in the state of being controlled. Fenwick had described it to her that first
night, but that was nothing like seeing his beautiful grey eyes blank
and lightless.

Erika suppressed a shiver. She needed to get back to her hotel and
examine her feelings there. In the middle of Baker Street was not the
best place. Out of the corner of her eyes she spotted a hovercab
slowing down. She waved to it, unaware of a pair of grey eyes which were
watching her with curiosity. Erika was about to enter the cab when she
heard someone whisper her name. She turned to look behind her, only to
see the London fog swirl around. Erika shrugged it off and entered the
cab. While giving the driver the address, she spotted a form standing on the
edge of the fog. Her throat went dry as she recognized who it was.
Before she could move, the cab took off. The figure watched her go
with relief.